During a soccer game an athlete experiences a violent slide tackle to the lower leg. Following examination of this traumatic orthopedic injury, the sports medicine staff decide to transport the injured athlete off the field of play. However, shortly following the initial mechanism of injury the athlete begins to report increasing discomfort throughout the affected area.

You are assessing an 86-year-old postoperative patient who has an unexpressive, stoic demeanor. when you enter the room, the patient is curled into the fetal position and your assessment reveals that his vital signs are elevated and he is diaphoretic. you ask the patient what his pain level is on a 0-to-10 scale that you explained to the patient prior to surgery. the patient indicates a pain level of “three or so.” you review your pain-management orders and find that all medications are ordered prn. how would you treat this patient's pain?